Peapack Private Bank & Trust Strengthens Commercial Lending with Appointment of Joseph E. Fingerman

Peapack Private Bank & Trust has appointed Joseph E. Fingerman as Senior Managing Director and President of Commercial Real Estate, a strategic hire that significantly strengthens the bank's commercial lending capabilities. Fingerman brings over 25 years of specialized experience in commercial real estate financing, having developed customized mortgage solutions for real estate investors, family offices, and major investment firms throughout his career. His appointment represents a substantial enhancement to Peapack Private's commercial real estate platform at a time when specialized lending expertise is increasingly valuable in navigating complex market conditions.

Fingerman's professional background includes over 15 years at Signature Bank, where he served as Managing Group Director and Senior Vice President of the Commercial Real Estate Lending Group. In this leadership role, he oversaw the bank's entire commercial real estate portfolio with particular emphasis on growth in New York and West Coast markets. Following his tenure at Signature Bank, Fingerman established and led A&E Real Estate Finance, a boutique private credit platform he founded in 2023, demonstrating his entrepreneurial approach to real estate finance. His career has encompassed lending across diverse property types including retail, offices, multifamily, and mixed-use properties, as well as expertise in new construction and note-on-note financing.

The importance of this appointment extends beyond Fingerman's technical expertise to his established reputation within the industry. He has been recognized multiple times on the Commercial Observer's Power 50 list, a significant industry acknowledgment of his influence and accomplishments. His active involvement in professional organizations such as the NY Apartment Association and Real Estate Board of New York further demonstrates his deep integration within the real estate community. Additionally, Fingerman serves on several nonprofit boards including the UJA Federation of New York and Suffolk Y JCC, reflecting his broader commitment to community engagement alongside his professional pursuits.

Fingerman's educational background includes a Master of Business Administration from Dowling College and a bachelor's degree from the State University of New York at Oneonta, providing both academic foundation and practical experience to his new role. His strategic vision for Peapack Private focuses on providing exceptional depository and lending solutions specifically tailored to the real estate industry. The executive expressed enthusiasm about joining the bank, citing his prior relationship with CEO Doug Kennedy and the opportunity to reunite with former colleagues as motivating factors. This appointment signals Peapack Private's commitment to expanding its commercial real estate lending operations and competing more effectively in key markets where specialized expertise provides competitive advantage.

The implications of this hiring are significant for Peapack Private's positioning within the commercial banking sector. By bringing in an executive with Fingerman's track record and industry recognition, the bank strengthens its ability to attract sophisticated real estate clients seeking specialized financing solutions. His experience across multiple property types and financing structures positions the bank to serve a broader range of client needs while navigating the evolving commercial real estate landscape. The move also represents a strategic investment in leadership talent that can drive growth in targeted markets, particularly as commercial real estate continues to adapt to post-pandemic economic conditions and shifting property valuations.